Specialist Registered Dietitian in Belfast Supporting Gut Health, Weight Loss & Hormonal Health

Illustration showing a person with question marks, representing frequently asked questions

FAQs Frequently asked Questions  about 121 Dietitian

What is the difference between a 121 dietitian and a nutritionist?

The title Dietitian is protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Therefore, only qualified practitioners who meet strict education and training requirements can use the title. All Registered Dietitians (RDs) complete a university degree or postgraduate course in nutrition science. In addition, they complete supervised clinical and community training. As a result, dietitians develop both scientific expertise and practical experience.

Many dietitians work in hospitals and community settings, where they advise individuals who require therapeutic diets. However, they also work in public health, education, research, and other areas that support improved food choices and long-term wellbeing. Dietitians are experts not only in the science of nutrition but also in communicating it clearly. Registration means they follow a professional code of ethics and continue their training throughout their career. Furthermore, most dietitians are members of their professional body, the British Dietetic Association (BDA).

By contrast, the title Nutritionist is not protected. Although several degree-level courses in nutrition exist, the term itself is less regulated. After qualification, some professionals register with The Nutrition Society as Registered Nutritionists (RNutr) or Registered Public Health Nutritionists (RPHNutr). Nutritionists often work in government, industry, sport, education, media, and charities. They typically support public health initiatives and provide general guidance about food and healthy eating. However, they do not provide medical nutrition treatment in the same way as a registered dietitian.

What are the benefits of seeing a 121 Registered Dietitian?

  • Quickly available appointments.
  • Longer consultation times.
  • Ongoing nutritional support, with the flexibility to arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
  • A consistent professional relationship, as you see the same dietitian at each visit.
  • In most cases, no referral from your GP is required.

What to expect in your 121 Dietitian consultation?

Why not watch our YouTube video to see more about our 60-minute appointment with a nutritional expert at 121 Dietitian?

During your initial consultation, we will:

  • Explore the background to your health or dietary concerns.
  • Carry out an in-depth dietary, health, lifestyle, and anthropometric assessment, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio.
  • Provide evidence-based dietary advice tailored to your individual needs.
  • Allow plenty of time to discuss realistic aims and achievable goals.

 

Follow-up appointments include:

  • A 30-minute consultation with the same dietitian.
  • Further dietary and anthropometric assessments, where required.
  • Ongoing dietary advice tailored to your needs.
  • Motivation and problem-solving.

121 Appointment Cancellation Policy

We operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. Therefore, if you can no longer attend your clinic or online appointment, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance at info@121dietitian.com. We kindly ask all patients to respect this policy so that we can continue to provide a high-quality service and offer cancelled appointments to others on our waiting list.

If you cancel, request changes, or do not attend within 48 hours of your appointment, we cannot offer a refund or reschedule your session. In these circumstances, the full fee will apply. If you arrive late, we will shorten your consultation accordingly. However, we will not reduce or refund the fee. In addition, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, we will treat this as non-attendance.

Finally, we reserve the right to refuse refund requests submitted within 48 hours of the appointment or after the appointment has taken place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about dietitians

Below are some common FAQs about dietitians and how they can support your health. 

A dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional who specialises in nutrition. They help people manage their dietary needs in order to prevent, manage, or treat health problems.

To become a Registered Dietitian (RD), you must complete a university degree or postgraduate qualification in nutrition science. In addition, this includes supervised training in both clinical and community settings.

People see a dietitian for many reasons. For example, they may want support with weight management, medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, athletic performance, or food allergies and intolerances.

A dietitian provides personalised nutrition advice tailored to your lifestyle and goals. They create balanced, healthy meal plans and offer guidance to help you achieve long-term results.

Yes. A dietitian can help identify potential food triggers and suggest suitable alternatives. This ensures you still get the nutrients you need while managing symptoms.

Seeing a dietitian can improve overall health and wellbeing. In particular, many people experience better control of long-term conditions, improved digestion, and increased energy levels.

Yes, many dietitians offer online consultations. This can be especially helpful if you live in a remote area or have a busy schedule.

The frequency of appointments depends on your individual needs and goals. For instance, some people benefit from monthly check-ins, while others only need occasional visits to review progress and make changes.

Posted on Google Google
Kristen McBurney profile picture
Kristen McBurney
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot recommend Gillian enough. I got in touch after struggling to lose weight due to PCOS and suffering from IBS. Thanks to Gillian, my IBS symptoms have massively reduced, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight. Her warmth makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. Gillian’s help and expertise is second to none, and she is always on hand to answer any questions. I am throughly enjoying the plan Gillian created for me and have found it easy to integrate into my everyday life. I am so grateful for the positive impact her plan has had on me.
Posted on Google Google
Hannah Crothers profile picture
Hannah Crothers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Gillian is the greatest. She is compassionate and professional, really helped me to understand my body’s function and how to best support it. Her advice has changed my life.
Posted on Google Google
Jay Rafferty profile picture
Jay Rafferty
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would highly recommend Gillian. Her advice and guidance has been a game changer for me. With so much conflicting and confusing advice on healthy eating, using a professional nutritionalist is a must.
Posted on Google Google
Emma Lavery profile picture
Emma Lavery
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I could not recommend Gillian enough over the last 3 months - she has turned my life around! I was referred to Gillian by my gastro consultant due to suffering from ibs, gastritis and hormonal issues for nearly 10 years. Gillian was very understanding and approachable throughout my time spent with her. Gillian discussed my health, lifestyle and eating habits thoroughly. She advised an individualised blood check for underlying issues, educated me on supplements and provided numerous information to help aid my recovery. The low foodmap programme I have been following is achievable and can be adapted to anyones lifestyle. As I am a vegetarian I thought this process may be difficult however Gillian reassured me that this would be no issue. She supplied personalised shopping lists, recipes and alternative foods to help heal my gut and overall health. Continual support from Gillian was on hand via email when required. I seen improvements in my symptoms within only weeks of starting the programme and was overwhelmed by the success due to suffering for years! I have been spreading the word about Gillian's brilliant work and will continue to do so! Thank you again for all your help!
Posted on Google Google
mick lorkins profile picture
mick lorkins
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Strongly recommended. There are not many professionals that can totally change you life for the better but this one one if you follow the advice given.
Posted on Google Google
Bobby D profile picture
Bobby D
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
For 30 years I have suffered with IBS D and have been unable to find the right specific help. I was introduced to 121 Dietician about 6 weeks ago and like all other services out there I was sceptical. First up was a consultation online which was great considering the many issues I was having going to places. Gillian listened very attentively and understood the many problems I was having. Gillian decided to introduce me to the Low FODMAP diet. Starting out she provided everything (information, shopping lists, recipes etc) to get started. Through the course of the first 6 weeks Gillian was available to answer any questions or concerns. Following the first 6 weeks I'm very happy to say that all the many problems associated with IBS have gone and I'm starting to live a normal life without any stage fright when out and about. The next 8 weeks will be the reintroduction stage but based on the knowledge from Gillian in the initial stage I'm very confident that at the end I will have full understanding of all my triggers. I can't recommend this service enough as most importantly after 30 years of severe symptoms I once again feel healthy and happy. This is a must if you suffer continually from this horrendous condition. I would be confident that this will help anyone who has IBS. For me this was the best money ever spent and I can't thank Gillian enough for the difference she has made. Roy Dornan
Posted on Google Google
Jack Kennedy profile picture
Jack Kennedy
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Helped solve stomach issues, had previous been to several people but this was the first dietary intervention that worked
Posted on Google Google
Laura Campbell profile picture
Laura Campbell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After over 10 years of eating quite poorly, Gillian has completely changed my approach to food. After a consultation and review of my diet, she provided me with a list of easy and quick recipes that are packed full of nutrition. She takes into consideration your lifestyle as well which I really appreciated too. I now have much more energy and actually enjoy preparing meals now, something I never did before. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thankyou! :-)
Posted on Google Google
Chris Arnold profile picture
Chris Arnold
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The overall experience was a very positive one. Gillian certainly had the expertise and people skills to help evaluate and treat my daughters gut issues. The progress was quite instantaneous and over time has made a huge difference to her everyday life. Thanks to Gillian for her work which came at the end of many doctor consultations. In hindsight Gillian should have been the first port of call.
Posted on Google Google
Amelia Tyler profile picture
Amelia Tyler
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Gillian is great and her program was just perfect. All the meals were delicious and I always felt satisfied which made it very easy to follow. I would highly recommend, especially the 121 sports program.

121 Dietitian
Need help finding the right programme?